SME Annual Showcase - SMIDEX 2014 “SMEs - Connecting the Dots…”

Last year, SME Corp. Malaysia achieved a 30% noteworthy potential increase in sales with negotiations valued at RM322.24 million with over 165 business-matching sessions. This year, the SME Annual Showcase - SMIDEX 2014 will be back once again, marking yet another milestone with a strong global presence. The 17th SME Annual Showcase will be held on 4-6 June 2014 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

The event is organised by SME Corp. Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). SMIDEX 2014 will be officiated by YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The announcement was made by YBhg. Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Hj. Abdul Majid, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia at the Media Networking Event: SMIDEX 2014 & SME Week 2014 held on 7 May 2014.

SMIDEX is an annual event which is designed to showcase the capabilities and capacities of Malaysian SMEs in producing products, services and technologies for the global market. Each year it draws Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and large companies to participate in the exhibition and business matching sessions. With the theme “SMEs - Connecting the Dots...”, SMIDEX 2014 will connect SMEs to all the available opportunities including business enablers, new business tools and business solutions, as well as, information on policies and regulations related to business and SME development. This year under one roof, seven clusters of various categories that bring one through the entire company life cycle will be showcased. These clusters will walk through an entrepreneur into a world of doing a business: 'The Beginning - Your Journey Starts Here'; 'Business Information - Making Informed Decisions'; 'Business Enablers - Shape Up Your Business'; 'Malaysian Business Capabilities - Showcasing Local Champions'; 'Business Financing - Money Matters'; 'Connecting with the world - Expand your Horizon' and 'Business Matching - The BIG Match!'.

To date, more than 369 booths have been planned including 68 booths under the international pavilion. India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom have confirmed their participation. SME Corp. Malaysia is anticipating more than 10,000 visitors to converge at this 3-day event.

Renowned organisations such as BAE Systems, Siemens, Post Malaysia, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn. Bhd., Aeon Big and My Outlets Pte. Ltd. will also be participating in the showcase. With the support and sponsorship of TM Berhad, MIDF, RHB Bank, UEM, Malaysia SME, Touch n’ Go, Maybank, SME Bank, MDV, Petronas, ABX, and AIBIM, the showcase is geared to be the best ever.

This year, SMIDEX 2014 is targeting RM350 million in potential sales from the business matching sessions. Additionally, forums and pocket talks will also be organized which will be conducted by credible and experienced local speakers. The SME Forum 2014 provides a platform for SMEs to learn and gain insights from renowned corporate leaders and successful local entrepreneurs on charting the future for business. Entrepreneurs should take advantage of this learning discourse to learn and re-learn, garner knowledge and gain insights into the latest of business techniques during these sessions.

One of SMIDEX’s primary focuses is on promoting innovation. In line with this, the Annual SME Innovation Award will again take place where our Prime Minister will present the Top Most Innovative Award with RM1 million cash prize to the top winner from among the six (6) award categories.